US clears $482 million support package for India's Apaches, M777 howitzers
New Delhi, June 22
The United States has formally notified a proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment worth an estimated $482.2 million for India's Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces.
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) -- which administers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme -- has issued the notification in the Federal Register after the Department of State informed Congress last month about the possible sales.
According to the notification, India has requested long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, including ancillary equipment, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot-level capability and other logistics support.
The proposed M777 support package is valued at approximately $230 million.
In addition, in a separate notification, the US Department of Defense said India has also sought sustainment support for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, including engineering, technical and logistics support services from the US government and contractors, technical publications, personnel training and related programme support.
The Apache support package is estimated to cost $198.2 million.
The principal contractors for the Apache programme will be Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, based in the United Kingdom, will serve as the principal contractor for the M777 howitzer support programme.
India inducted the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers through the US Foreign Military Sales route to strengthen its artillery capabilities, particularly in high-altitude and mountainous terrain.
The US Department of Defense said the proposed sales would support American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership with India.
"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the equipment is top-notch, $482 million is a lot. Why can't DRDO develop similar systems? We need Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, not just assembling imported parts. The M777s are great for Siachen but the cost makes me uneasy.
Strategic partnership strengthening? More like US keeping us dependent on their spares and tech. We have to pay for repairs, training, and field service reps for decades. Classic American business model. But yes, the Apaches are deadly for our eastern front.
Finally some serious artillery for high-altitude! The M777 howitzers will give our soldiers in Ladakh much-needed firepower. Just hope the logistics support is actually responsive when needed - we can't afford delays in emergencies. Proud of our armed forces! 💪
Not a fan of this. We keep buying American hardware while our own defence PSUs struggle. What about the Pinaka MLRS and Dhanush howitzers? This $482 million could have funded multiple indigenous projects. The US knows we'll be back for more spares later.
Solid step towards modernisation. The Apaches are battle-proven and the M777 is perfect for our mountain borders. But I hope we're also investing in counter-drone systems and cyber defence - that's the real future battlefield. Good move, but we need a balanced approach.
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